2024 NBA Season

[Slow death]

Boston Celtics - Miami Heat

The Celtics that come into this game having managed to eliminate the Sixers in a game in which they will manage to win by a large difference of points, there were 24 points of difference, in a game in which the Celtics in the first period lost by a difference of 6 points, but the Celtics did not let themselves be psychologically affected, in the second period they managed to win by a difference of 9 points, something quite incredible, in the third period it was simply an overwhelming Celtics when they won by a difference of 22 points and in the 4th period the Celtics just defended the result and won the game, but it wasn't all easy games against the Sixers, the Sixers won in 3 games and the Celtics won 4 games, which means they were very disputed games.

on the other side we have the Miami Heat that also in their last game had a victory against the Knicks in a game in which it was very difficult for them to beat the Knicks, they were only 2 points apart, although the Miami Heat in the first period had managed to win by a difference of 7 points, the Knicks in the second period managed to stop the Heat and won by a difference of 8 points and in the third and fourth period the difference in points was not greater than 2 points, so it was a very disputed game, although the Heat had won 4 games and the Knicks, in my opinion the Heat faced a lot of difficulties. well looking at the Heat and the Celtics, I see the Celtics clearly as much more superior to the Heat and that's why I believe that the Heat will win this game

[Vaculin]

I guess we need some laughs here, did you guys saw how Dwight's video making fun of inviting those that have been eliminated already like Julius Randle, Klay, Ayton, Poole and there are others. Well, it's actually funny how he's inviting them to play on T1 League in Taiwan. For the reference guys, I've seen it on this page on Facebook "Ballislife".
(https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1934885790213890)

That's hilarious! Despite the fact that the players he called his team got eliminated, they are still in a good position as they are part of the biggest basketball league in the world, the NBA. Dwight is happy playing outside of his home country, but the players who were eliminated will surely improve in the next season.

So this goes for Dwight, can he come back to the NBA?

Yes, I saw that one as well on Facebook but the funniest thing for me in that clip is the fact how Howard pretends to forget about James Harden

He literally gave him the last speech saying like it's really time for him to move towards another league. I know that he was just trolling but I think he got some deeper thoughts about Harden who often participates the playoffs but he's still unfortunate to win a ring, at least one.

Well, for Dwight Howard, it seems that he is indeed enjoying playing in Taiwan now and the question if he can go back to the NBA is quite vague as of this moment. I mean he still got a contract with Taiwan's Taoyuan Leopards and by the looks of it, there might be no franchise in the league right now who is willing to get him back from the free agency.

[dwyane36]

The attention is currently focused on the Lakers vs Denver series, and the result of the first game has put Denver ahead in the series. The Lakers have a significant fan base that may be disappointed if they get eliminated.

Even if the Lakers are eliminated from the Western Conference Finals, I don't think Lakers fans will be too disappointed because no one expected any good results from the current Lakers roster. As for the outcome of the first game, Jokic is obviously a huge problem for the Lakers, and they should find a way to stop him or at least not let him grab so many rebounds in the next games.

[Captain Corporate]

If you ask me Lebron did alright, not that bad, they couldn't defend against Jokic the way they wanted to, but everything else worked for them and by the last minute they were down just one shot as well and sometimes it just doesn't go your way, there is nothing to do about that. I believe that they are going to be doing fine and I believe that they are doing a tough job. But I think the good thing about this is that they will have 6 more games (if it goes to 7 of course) so if it didn't work today, then it may work tomorrow and that's going to be the most important thing. If Lakers somehow magically get the second game, they will have a huge advantage without a doubt. If not, then Nuggets is a good team to lose, its understandable.

[OgNasty]

You probably saw the Ja Morant apology going around. The funny part you might not have seen is how fans found that the apology was written by ChatGPT. Ja Morant literally had AI write his apology for him so that he wouldn’t be bothered with it. Hilarious. I guess someone in his PR team is probably the responsible party, but it is no less hilarious what these kids are doing nowadays.

[wiss19]

I see Nuggets vs Celtics final. I know that a lot of people have a lot of different opinions and Lakers played as well as they could hope for and almost got a win at Denver, that's good. But I believe that Denver had Jokic advantage that can't be unseen, that is a huge one and the fact that he plays like this at times to give them the edge is something huge, we need to consider that as the most valid opinion at this point.

I know that fans are upset about the current situation but we need to realize that Lakers just can't respond like that, not when Jokic plays like this. Even though if Jokic plays badly for a few games, I do not think that it will be 4 games, it is going to be totally different and we need to accept that.

[wheelz1200]

I see Nuggets vs Celtics final. I know that a lot of people have a lot of different opinions and Lakers played as well as they could hope for and almost got a win at Denver, that's good. But I believe that Denver had Jokic advantage that can't be unseen, that is a huge one and the fact that he plays like this at times to give them the edge is something huge, we need to consider that as the most valid opinion at this point.

I know that fans are upset about the current situation but we need to realize that Lakers just can't respond like that, not when Jokic plays like this. Even though if Jokic plays badly for a few games, I do not think that it will be 4 games, it is going to be totally different and we need to accept that.

I actually think the betting majority will see it the same.  Jokic is a complete mismatch for Lakers to defend.  Nuggets have to figure out how to not get Murray switched onto lebron and this should be a quick series.  They will need multiple lights out type performances from their secondary players for multiple games to make this competitive.  And Miami might hang in there but I think the Celtics front court is just too much.  Jaylen Brown is gonna abuse miamis guards.

[Fatunad]

I didn’t feel like it was a one sided game. The Nuggets had the lead the whole game but they never got too far out of reach. LeBron even had a chance to tie it with a 3 late in the fourth. Both teams shot excellent from the field. It was a great game to watch. It had everything you’d expect. The big difference in the game was rebounds. The Lakers need to step it up on the boards. They can’t be outrebounded by nearly 20 and win.

Thought earlier that its one sided game but lakers slowly eating the lead until they make the lead of Nuggets to single digit. But they caught off guarded as the time nearly ends since if they could just sustain that energy on early part of the gane well maybe they will not get dominated by Nuggets on game 1. But for sure they learn a lot from thus so they need to be more aggressive and exert more effort on defense since provably they can take the win on game 2.
.

When the Lakers were attempting to reduce the lead, the game became incredibly entertaining to watch. I admired how the Lakers managed to stage a comeback from a significant deficit, displaying their relentless effort. However, they fell just short in the end. The Nuggets have already taken the lead in the series, but from my perspective, it seems like it will be a closely contested series. As long as the Nuggets can secure victories in all their home games, they have the advantage.

Everything about that game was yet another historic performance from THE JOKER!

Good thing they have an answer on offensive set created by lakers that's the reason they take this win on game one. AD perform so well this game one and for sure many want to see how Lakers could answer on game two since for sure they learn something with Nuggets especially on dying minutes. If they could just put  defensive pressure on Jokic and to their shooters maybe the result would be different and flow will be in favor to them.

Actually on seeing that 3rd Quarter run on which the gap is almost sitting around 20 points ahead, i did make out some conclusion that this game is over if ever they wont be finding any ways or method on stopping
Denver but they did able to caught up and close up the gap upto 4 points and into those last minute on 4th, there are indeed clutch plays which needs to be done but its unlucky that last moment where
turnovers happen. I did see on how Lebron trying out to force that 3 point shot for possible OT but it didnt work plus having that missed Reaves pass under the basket which Lebron wasnt able to
expect that and midhandled it out and results into a turnover which if that crucial moment had able to successfuly make out a basket then we might be seeing an OT.
Well having that 6 point lead isnt really that too far off and Game 2 then for sure at least they do know on what to do or making out adjustments.

[rhomelmabini]

You probably saw the Ja Morant apology going around. The funny part you might not have seen is how fans found that the apology was written by ChatGPT. Ja Morant literally had AI write his apology for him so that he wouldn’t be bothered with it. Hilarious. I guess someone in his PR team is probably the responsible party, but it is no less hilarious what these kids are doing nowadays.

He doesn't give a damn about it because if he do, he shouldn't have done it again when he knows it will have some penalty for that. I think a long sanction should be done with him, he acting childish.

I see Nuggets vs Celtics final. I know that a lot of people have a lot of different opinions and Lakers played as well as they could hope for and almost got a win at Denver, that's good. But I believe that Denver had Jokic advantage that can't be unseen, that is a huge one and the fact that he plays like this at times to give them the edge is something huge, we need to consider that as the most valid opinion at this point.

I know that fans are upset about the current situation but we need to realize that Lakers just can't respond like that, not when Jokic plays like this. Even though if Jokic plays badly for a few games, I do not think that it will be 4 games, it is going to be totally different and we need to accept that.

I think that's a good pick though but for the Celtics vs. Heat I might wanna have some opinion in there. Heat might be an underdog but that doesn't mean they has no chance against the Celtics, they might wanna win it or make it hard for Celtics to be on the Finals.

[harizen]

I see Nuggets vs Celtics final. I know that a lot of people have a lot of different opinions and Lakers played as well as they could hope for and almost got a win at Denver, that's good. But I believe that Denver had Jokic advantage that can't be unseen, that is a huge one and the fact that he plays like this at times to give them the edge is something huge, we need to consider that as the most valid opinion at this point.

I know that fans are upset about the current situation but we need to realize that Lakers just can't respond like that, not when Jokic plays like this. Even though if Jokic plays badly for a few games, I do not think that it will be 4 games, it is going to be totally different and we need to accept that.

Not a bad analysis though we can't just assume everything because of the Game 1 result.

Not a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers but remember how tough the road they need to pass before reaching the Conference Finals. They even upset those teams in the 1st and 2nd round and I'm sure only a few even expects them to see them at the Conference Finals.

I don't consider Game 1 results as a standalone proof that the Lakers are done for. The Lakers even rallied late in that game although fell short. Expect adjustments over adjustments and that's how playoffs are being worked out so far by all teams.

About the Miami Heat, the same scenario on the Lakers that only a few think they will also reach the Conference Finals coming from the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks is already impressive and for sure they have the chance to do it against the healthy Boston Celtics.

[Viscore]

About the Miami Heat, the same scenario on the Lakers that only a few think they will also reach the Conference Finals coming from the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks is already impressive and for sure they have the chance to do it against the healthy Boston Celtics.

Definitely, nothing is impossible for this team, especially considering their victory over the top favorite to win the championship during the regular season. As long as the Heat remain healthy, they have a fighting chance against the Celtics and could potentially upset the heavy favorite, as indicated by the betting lines.

It's hard to find someone who can stop Jimmy, but it's important to note that his impact goes beyond scoring. He is also a skilled defender and a willing passer, making his teammates better. The team's high confidence is evident, and I share the belief that they will emerge victorious.

[Dave1]

I see Nuggets vs Celtics final. I know that a lot of people have a lot of different opinions and Lakers played as well as they could hope for and almost got a win at Denver, that's good. But I believe that Denver had Jokic advantage that can't be unseen, that is a huge one and the fact that he plays like this at times to give them the edge is something huge, we need to consider that as the most valid opinion at this point.

I know that fans are upset about the current situation but we need to realize that Lakers just can't respond like that, not when Jokic plays like this. Even though if Jokic plays badly for a few games, I do not think that it will be 4 games, it is going to be totally different and we need to accept that.

I actually think the betting majority will see it the same.  Jokic is a complete mismatch for Lakers to defend.  Nuggets have to figure out how to not get Murray switched onto lebron and this should be a quick series.  They will need multiple lights out type performances from their secondary players for multiple games to make this competitive.  And Miami might hang in there but I think the Celtics front court is just too much.  Jaylen Brown is gonna abuse miamis guards.

That's right, both #2 Celtics in the East and #1 Nuggets in the West could be a good matchup for this years finals.

But there could be unexpected events though, Miami is no push over, although they are 3:1 underdog against Boston, we can't discount that they might make this series a very close match. But for this game 1, I'm seeing a big win by the Celtics to make a statement, it could be a double win advantage, I reckon.

[Botnake]

That's right, both #2 Celtics in the East and #1 Nuggets in the West could be a good matchup for this years finals.

But there could be unexpected events though, Miami is no push over, although they are 3:1 underdog against Boston, we can't discount that they might make this series a very close match. But for this game 1, I'm seeing a big win by the Celtics to make a statement, it could be a double win advantage, I reckon.

Miami is emerging as the dark horse in the playoffs as they battle the Boston Celtics. The game is currently very close, so it's too early to count them out. The Heat's great chemistry and contributions from everyone on the team make them a powerful opponent. Additionally, having Lowry on the 2nd unit adds depth, as he brings veteran experience and is playing at a high level reminiscent of his prime.

[TravelMug]

That's right, both #2 Celtics in the East and #1 Nuggets in the West could be a good matchup for this years finals.

But there could be unexpected events though, Miami is no push over, although they are 3:1 underdog against Boston, we can't discount that they might make this series a very close match. But for this game 1, I'm seeing a big win by the Celtics to make a statement, it could be a double win advantage, I reckon.

Miami is emerging as the dark horse in the playoffs as they battle the Boston Celtics. The game is currently very close, so it's too early to count them out. The Heat's great chemistry and contributions from everyone on the team make them a powerful opponent. Additionally, having Lowry on the 2nd unit adds depth, as he brings veteran experience and is playing at a high level reminiscent of his prime.

Second half break, scores: 66-57 Boston Celtics taking the lead.

The first quarter was very close though, Jimmy Butler is simply amazing in the first and if I'm not mistaken scored 12 points. But I haven't seen the 2nd quarter, but it's obvious that the Celtics might have gotten their confidence already to pull and take the lead.

But it's not over yet, Miami Heat still has the chance.

[danherbias07]

And another coach down. (How many times have I said that this season?)
76ers reportedly fire head coach Doc Rivers after Game 7 loss to Celtics
https://sports.yahoo.com/76ers-reportedly-fire-head-coach-doc-rivers-after-game-7-loss-to-celtics-151752767.html

The Philadelphia 76ers have fired head coach Doc Rivers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 76ers made the decision following Sunday's Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The loss eliminated Philadelphia from the postseason after it had held a 3-2 series lead.

This became the norm in NBA today. Fire the Coach so people will think he is the bad guy. Put the blame on them for not maximizing the usage of the superstars given to them.
Who will they hire and then fire next? That's the big question. I think Coach Spoelstra, Steve Kerr, and Coach Popovich are the only coaches left that have long-term love from their teams. Even if the Miami Heat loses this East Finals, I don't think they will fire Coach Spo, for obvious reasons, they are undermanned without Herro and Oladipo due to injuries.

3 coaches were fired in the post-season. Wow. Coach Rivers, Bud, and Monty.
Out of these three, who do you think will get a seat on the coachless teams?

[Botnake]

That's right, both #2 Celtics in the East and #1 Nuggets in the West could be a good matchup for this years finals.

But there could be unexpected events though, Miami is no push over, although they are 3:1 underdog against Boston, we can't discount that they might make this series a very close match. But for this game 1, I'm seeing a big win by the Celtics to make a statement, it could be a double win advantage, I reckon.

Miami is emerging as the dark horse in the playoffs as they battle the Boston Celtics. The game is currently very close, so it's too early to count them out. The Heat's great chemistry and contributions from everyone on the team make them a powerful opponent. Additionally, having Lowry on the 2nd unit adds depth, as he brings veteran experience and is playing at a high level reminiscent of his prime.

Second half break, scores: 66-57 Boston Celtics taking the lead.

The first quarter was very close though, Jimmy Butler is simply amazing in the first and if I'm not mistaken scored 12 points. But I haven't seen the 2nd quarter, but it's obvious that the Celtics might have gotten their confidence already to pull and take the lead.

But it's not over yet, Miami Heat still has the chance.

The lead is indeed manageable, and comebacks are possible in basketball games. If the Lakers were able to mount a comeback against the Nuggets, it's certainly possible for the Heat to do the same against the Celtics.

The Celtics' improved defense in the second quarter may have caused turnovers for the Heat, but adjustments can be made in the second half to address those issues. It will be interesting to see how the game unfolds and if the Heat can make a comeback or at least cover the spread.

[Fundamentals Of]

That's right, both #2 Celtics in the East and #1 Nuggets in the West could be a good matchup for this years finals.

But there could be unexpected events though, Miami is no push over, although they are 3:1 underdog against Boston, we can't discount that they might make this series a very close match. But for this game 1, I'm seeing a big win by the Celtics to make a statement, it could be a double win advantage, I reckon.

Miami is emerging as the dark horse in the playoffs as they battle the Boston Celtics. The game is currently very close, so it's too early to count them out. The Heat's great chemistry and contributions from everyone on the team make them a powerful opponent. Additionally, having Lowry on the 2nd unit adds depth, as he brings veteran experience and is playing at a high level reminiscent of his prime.

Second half break, scores: 66-57 Boston Celtics taking the lead.

The first quarter was very close though, Jimmy Butler is simply amazing in the first and if I'm not mistaken scored 12 points. But I haven't seen the 2nd quarter, but it's obvious that the Celtics might have gotten their confidence already to pull and take the lead.

But it's not over yet, Miami Heat still has the chance.

The lead is indeed manageable, and comebacks are possible in basketball games. If the Lakers were able to mount a comeback against the Nuggets, it's certainly possible for the Heat to do the same against the Celtics.

The Celtics' improved defense in the second quarter may have caused turnovers for the Heat, but adjustments can be made in the second half to address those issues. It will be interesting to see how the game unfolds and if the Heat can make a comeback or at least cover the spread.

And they have indeed made that comeback with smooth threes down the line. The bench is making a great contribution. The heat is already up 12 points at the end of the third quarter. They almost doubled the third quarter points of the Celtics.

Early lead is never a guarantee. That teams recovered and even take a comfortable lead right after have been happening all the time. It indeed happened to the game prior to this one, in the Lakers against the Nuggets.

[Coin_trader]

The lead is indeed manageable, and comebacks are possible in basketball games. If the Lakers were able to mount a comeback against the Nuggets, it's certainly possible for the Heat to do the same against the Celtics.

Yeah, All lead is manageable to recover in general because this is conference finals match and not a regular season match. Coach don’t give easily unless the lead is on 30pts to 40pts while his players is already exhausted due to low shooting percentage. Boston is a very capable team to do a wild run on last quarter since Tatum and Brown are both on low score. I’m sure that one of them will show explosiveness on last quarter since they are on their home court.

The Celtics' improved defense in the second quarter may have caused turnovers for the Heat, but adjustments can be made in the second half to address those issues. It will be interesting to see how the game unfolds and if the Heat can make a comeback or at least cover the spread.

Heat is already on the lead and probably will close strong if the Boston don’t do anything to lockdown Jimmy. This is same problem of Bucks when they experienced an upset playoffs with heat.

[vennali]

Puzzling watching the Celtics in the 4th quarter. It feels like they are missing their star player or something. They all are on the floor but as a team, it looks like they've lost their superpower, collectively. Taking random 3pts, hoping it'll go. Barely passing the ball around, trying to break the defense. Instead, playing 1 on 1 and getting double teamed and still trying to go through. Jayson Taytum looks like a role player in the 2nd half. Barely touching the ball and even when he does, doesn't look like a threat at all. I definitely wasn't expecting the way the game went in the 2nd half of the match. Jimmy Buckets, stealing the ball 6 times and during crucial moments and making clutch shots as usual. Looking great. Heat are 8-2 during game 1's with Butler in the lineup.

[rhomelmabini]

Puzzling watching the Celtics in the 4th quarter. It feels like they are missing their star player or something. They all are on the floor but as a team, it looks like they've lost their superpower, collectively. Taking random 3pts, hoping it'll go. Barely passing the ball around, trying to break the defense. Instead, playing 1 on 1 and getting double teamed and still trying to go through. Jayson Taytum looks like a role player in the 2nd half. Barely touching the ball and even when he does, doesn't look like a threat at all. I definitely wasn't expecting the way the game went in the 2nd half of the match. Jimmy Buckets, stealing the ball 6 times and during crucial moments and making clutch shots as usual. Looking great. Heat are 8-2 during game 1's with Butler in the lineup.

They're getting forced by Butler then double team him, that was selfish defense tbh. They should have a guy that can defend him because he's playing chess out there while defenders are just playing checkers. Tatum two consecutive travels was really a letdown, I guess what the commentators had said was true that he wasn't doing what he did like in the game 7 of ECSF. If they keep doing this phase they'll probably gonna be another laughingstock losing to an 8 seed without Oladipo and Herro. One more thing is that they haven't even used Robinson this time, looks like Coach Spo has some strategy ahead.

I'm glad I taken those juicy handicaps and got a good win and as I've said previously in this thread that Miami wouldn't get away without a fight.